Saints march to Glory

Monday, 1st May 2006

Champs!

By the time you read this St Mirren Football Club will have been presented with the First Division Trophy.   This fantastic achievement caps a wonderful season for Gus MacPherson, his players, support staff and Chairman Stewart Gilmour.

 And add to this a Challenge Cup victory and plans for a new stadium at Greenhill Road. To commemorate St Mirren’s great season I took time out from maternity leave to lodge a Scottish Parliamentary motion which has gained widespread support from fellow MSP’s – more than a quarter of MSPs added their congratulations to the Club in the first couple of days.  

This has been a great season for all involved with the club and while next year will be a step up to the Premier League St Mirren are well placed to make a big impression on the ‘big boys’ of Scottish Football.  Not only have the Saints shone on the pitch, the Club has also been a pioneer of community and social responsibility off the field.  St Mirren FC has shown great leadership in anti-racism and the efforts to create a more ‘family-friendly’ atmosphere at Love Street are a credit to both the fans and club officials. The Club has injected a bit of footballing pride into Paisley and long may its recent success continue. Well done to the team and all associated with St Mirren on such a successful season.

Rail link

I often hear people asking what has the Scottish Parliament ever done for us? Well currently the Scottish Parliament has a special committee, The Glasgow Airport Rail Link Committee. The Committee is now meeting in Paisley hearing views on Strathclyde Passenger Transport’s proposal to build a rail link from Glasgow city centre via Paisley Gilmour St to the Airport. Like it or loath the idea, the Parliament is giving Buddies their say on how this proposal will affect them.    

Anti-social behaviour heroes

Last week the Justice Ministers launched the Standing Up to Antisocial Behaviour Awards 2006. The awards recognise the difference individuals and groups can make in their communities. I want to make sure local heroes are nominated to get the recognition they deserve for the work they have done to tackle antisocial behaviour. Nominations must be in by the 30th June and anybody can nominate an individual or group for an award. The winners will receive up to £5,000 to spend on an activity to stop antisocial behaviour in their area. To submit your nomination log on to www.antisocialbehaviourscotland.com or call 0800 169 5013 for a nomination form. 

Back to business

My first surgery since the birth of my children will be later this week in Linwood. I am entering a whole new world of juggling childcare and my weekly surgeries but there will be no kids with me this week!